The government says it will waste no time sorting out compensation for fishermen who suffered damage from a recent oil spill on the southern coast.

During a meeting with ruling party officials on Wednesday, the head of the Oceans and Fisheries Ministry, Yoon Jin-sook, said talks are already under way with South Korea oil refiner GS Caltex Corporation.

Yoon said the government is considering compensating the fishermen and later claiming the expenses with insurance companies.

She said those responsible will be punished in accordance with law

The minister also said test results on the safety of local fishery products will be released on Wednesday.